Thai Basil Chicken & Red Pepper Stir-Fry

A fast Thai basil chicken stir-fry pairs economical chicken thighs with a sweet late-summer red pepper and a savory, lime-bright sauce.

  • Total time: 45 min
  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Estimated total cost: $11
  • Calories per serving: 660 cal
  • Stovetop

Ingredients

  • Foster Farms Fresh & Natural Cage Free Chicken Thighs Value Pack
    1 1/2 pounds $2.79
  • Fresh Red Hothouse Bell Pepper
    1 large pepper $1.67
  • Smart Way™ Jasmine Rice
    3/4 cup dry $3.59
  • Simple Truth Organic® Thai Basil Container
    0.5 ounce $2.49
  • Garlic
    3 cloves $0.79
  • Spice World™ Fresh Peeled Ginger Bag
    1 tablespoon grated $3.99
  • Fresh Organic Limes - Each
    1 lime $1.29
  • Fine sea salt
    3.5 grams, divided
  • Water
    1 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons, divided
  • Fish sauce
    1 1/2 tablespoons
  • Low-sodium soy sauce
    1 tablespoon
  • Light brown sugar
    2 teaspoons
  • Cornstarch
    1 teaspoon
  • Crushed red pepper flakes
    1/4 teaspoon
  • Neutral cooking oil
    2 tablespoons

Instructions

  1. Remove the skin and bones from 1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs, then cut the meat into 1-inch pieces. Toss with 2 grams fine sea salt and let stand for at least 10 minutes while you start the rice.

  2. Rinse 3/4 cup jasmine rice until the water is mostly clear. Combine it in a small saucepan with 1 1/4 cups water and 1.5 grams fine sea salt. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.

  3. While the rice cooks, whisk together the stir-fry sauce:

    • 1 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce
    • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
    • 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
    • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
    • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
    • 2 tablespoons water

    Set the sauce aside.

  4. Prepare the vegetables and aromatics:

    • Thinly slice 1 large red bell pepper.
    • Mince 3 garlic cloves.
    • Finely grate 1 tablespoon peeled ginger.
    • Pick the leaves from 0.5 ounce Thai basil.

    Keep the sliced pepper, combined garlic and ginger, and basil separate.

  5. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until very hot. Add 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil, followed by the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes, then stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly browned.

  6. Add the sliced pepper and stir-fry for 2 minutes so it remains slightly crisp. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds. Stir the sauce again, pour it into the pan, and toss for 1 to 2 minutes until glossy and the chicken reaches 175°F.

  7. Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the Thai basil and squeeze in the juice from 1 lime, tossing just until the basil wilts.

  8. Fluff the jasmine rice, divide it between two shallow bowls, and spoon the Thai basil chicken and red pepper stir-fry over the top.

Drink pairing: An off-dry Riesling cools the chile heat and complements the sweet pepper and basil.